Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently positioned to comfortably secure a postseason spot this season, but have far larger goals by the end of the season.
They have one of the best records in baseball, and they are in a National League West division that has been one of the weakest in baseball in 2024.
However, the way that the team has been playing these last couple weeks has left a lot to be desired, culminating in an ugly series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Some of the reasons for the Dodgers’ current struggles have been out of their control as injuries have really taken their toll on this team. For the Dodgers, it has been death by a thousand cuts as injuries have been a constant throughout Spring Training and the regular season, and now it is finally catching up with them.
Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were the most significant losses, but the Dodgers have also been without Max Muncy for multiple months and his situation has not been developing in their favor recently either.
Recently, Tyler Glasnow joined the group of injured players as well.
Continued reliance on players who have not been contributing at a high level this year like Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux and Kiké Hernández have also been a season-long issue.
The Dodgers have been outspoken about their belief in the players they have being able to contribute once they return from injury, but they will explore external options as well, looking to shore up their outfield and pitching staff, according to Jim Bowden of the Athletic:
The Dodgers have made inquiries with several teams about outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers.
Acquiring starting pitching might be the Dodgers’ biggest need at the deadline, which sounds crazy to say considering how strong the unit was coming into this season. Another outfield bat would be a welcome addition as Teoscar Hernández has been the only option with an above average wRC+, and Andy Pages has been around league average.
Adding a bullpen piece should be the lowest priority as it remains a very strong group with the plenty of internal options to fill it out once they return from injury. The back-end is especially strong with Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Evan Phillips.
However, a deal for the right price or a project with high upside would make a lot of sense.
Max Muncy believes in the Dodgers internal options
The Dodgers currently have a ton of talent on the injured list just waiting to get healthy again. Betts and Muncy would provide the biggest boost to the roster of the offensive side. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier, and others could be just as good as any piece added during the trade deadline.
Muncy likened it to having a ‘trade deadline in itself’.
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